M. tennis falls flat in spring opener

The Yale men’s tennis team opened its spring season matches on a low note, falling 6-1 to No. 65 North Carolina State Feb. 4 at the University’s Cullman Courts.

Milosz Gudzowski ’06 at No. 3 singles was the only Bulldog to take down a member of the Wolfpack, defeating opponent Will Shaw 6-3, 6-4.

“I thought I played a great match, [but] I was a little disappointed that the team didn’t win,” said Gudzowski. “We had a good shot at beating them although we lost last year 7-0.”

North Carolina took four of its five singles wins in straight sets. Besides Gudzowski, only No. 1 singles player Brandon Wai ’07, who opened 6-1 against opponent Conor Taylor, took a set against the Wolfpack.

While the Bulldogs had the home court advantage, several factors including Wai’s flu, captain Ryan Murphy’s ’05 recent food poisoning, and Rowan Reynolds’ ’06 knee and hip problems hindered the team.

“We had an off day, we weren’t 100 percent, they’re a good team and good teams will beat you if you’re not ready to get after it,” said Reynolds. “The result wasn’t what we were looking for.”

No. 4 singles player Rory Green ’08 said nerves were a significant factor for him. Green, who lost 6-1, 6-2 to NCSU’s Andre Iriarte, said he felt pressured because the contest with N.C. State was his first real match this season.